Podcast Summary: BigDeal — "My Conversations With Charlie Kirk"

Host: Codie Sanchez
Date: September 12, 2025

Overview

In this heartfelt episode of BigDeal, Codie Sanchez reflects on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, a well-known public speaker and advocate for free speech. Codie offers a personal and philosophical meditation on freedom of speech, the necessity of ideological competition, and the dangers of violence in response to differing opinions. Drawing on her own interactions with Kirk and her experiences as a journalist and entrepreneur, Codie calls for listeners—the "builders"—to continue striving for open debate, resilience, and change, especially in turbulent times.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Connection to Charlie Kirk and Initial Reactions

• Codie opens the episode with the emotional impact of Charlie Kirk’s murder and her hesitancy to speak publicly about it, empathizing with his family and close friends.
• She recounts previous plans they had discussed: bringing honest conversations about business and economics to college students who felt increasingly hopeless about their future prospects.
• Codie notes their differences in opinion but frames disagreement as a healthy and essential part of human interaction.
  • Quote [00:45]:
    "Charlie and I didn't agree on everything, and I don't think that's something we should strive for in humans. Actually, I think it's a really good thing for you to disagree, sometimes intensely with other people." — Codie Sanchez

2. The Power and Necessity of Free Speech

• As a former journalist, Codie stresses the foundational importance of the First Amendment and freedom of speech for a thriving society.
• She argues that the proper way to oppose ideas is better argumentation, not silencing or violence.
  • Quote [03:00]:
    "If you cannot beat someone's arguments, then you need to be better skilled—not to hope they die." — Codie Sanchez
• Codie urges her audience—whom she calls "builders"—to engage in constructive change and to resist the temptation to tear down others.
  • Quote [04:05]: "I think this country was built by doers just like you... those who believed that you could build stronger and not have to tear things down." — Codie Sanchez

3. Building vs. Destroying

• Codie contrasts the difficulty of building something of value versus the ease of destroying it, using the metaphor of building versus burning a house.
  • Quote [04:45]:
    "I believe that it's harder to build a house than it is to burn it down... it is always easier to tear down others, and it is always easier—even kill another—than it is to push back on their ideas by having better ideas yourself." — Codie Sanchez

4. The Call to Courage and Open Debate

• Codie highlights the core value of fiercely defending one’s ideas and encourages open competition in the "arena" of public debate.
• She recalls a favorite quote from Charlie Kirk:
  • Quote [09:55]:
    "If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas, not run away from them or try and silence them." — Charlie Kirk, cited by Codie Sanchez
• She frames debate not as conflict, but as an "old school" tool for achieving the best outcomes for humanity.

5. Societal Reaction and the Nature of Modern Media

• Codie discusses speaking to her father about the emotional impact of assassinations in the age of instant social media virality, emphasizing the extra pain caused by public celebrations or mockery online.
• She advocates for kindness, noting the dangers of celebrating the death even of those with opposing views.
  • Quote [12:45]:
    "Maybe a little bit of kindness would be something really useful both sides could use right now." — Codie Sanchez

6. The Importance of Ideological Flexibility

• The episode reinforces that adapting one’s ideas in the face of better arguments is essential for personal and societal success.
  • Quote [14:05]:
    "Your ability to defend your ideas and then change your mind once you find better ones is the single greatest reason you will succeed in life." — Codie Sanchez
• Codie connects this concept to her podcast’s practice of hosting a wide diversity of guests and worldviews, reaffirming the value of contrarian thinking.

7. Closing Reflections and Tribute

• Codie offers condolences to Charlie's family, alluding to his courage in expressing his beliefs.
• The episode ends with a plea for the audience to reject violence as a means of responding to difference and to honor courage in the pursuit of truth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On productiveness and building:
  "We need you now more than ever... it is always easier to tear down others." — Codie Sanchez [04:10]

• On freedom of expression:
  "Our democracy, this country and any other country falls if we actually do not allow our ideas to compete." — Codie Sanchez [14:40]

• Tribute to Charlie Kirk:
  "To me, [Charlie] made a very big impression and who was not afraid to say his quiet part out loud." — Codie Sanchez [16:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–02:00 — Codie announces Charlie Kirk’s death and shares initial feelings and past interactions.
• 03:00–05:00 — The value of disagreement, freedom of speech, and the builder’s mindset.
• 07:00–10:30 — Reflections on societal reaction, the importance of defending and debating ideas.
• 11:00–13:00 — The unique hardship of losing public figures in the social media era; a plea for empathy and understanding.
• 14:00–16:00 — Importance of changing your mind, value of contrarianism, and closing tribute.

Conclusion

This episode is a somber yet empowering call to uphold the values of free expression, debate, and construction over destruction. Codie Sanchez draws on her relationship with Charlie Kirk, using his memory as a rallying point for anyone striving to build, question, and lead—even, and especially, in the face of deep disagreement. The episode offers solace, renewed conviction, and philosophical guidance for listeners navigating a divided and emotionally charged moment.